2024 Adlib Palais
WINEMAKER: James Hopkins
REGION: McLaren Vale, SA
VARIETY: Grenache
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic
"This year, we chose to limit our focus to only four varieties: Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. Rather than revel in the abundance of ‘alternatives’ now at our disposal, we’re far more interested in sustaining what’s already in the ground. The local heroes. Especially the old vines.
From these four grapes, we anticipate three small releases from 2024, including: two still 'blanc de noir' whites, a fancy rosé named Suzi (she gets the most love), the usual spectrum of textural pinks through to more complex and deeply-toned 'esky rouges’ (which includes our four collab wines), as well as a few more serious, seasonally-versatile reds.
With a major shift to sourcing locally-farmed fruit from within McLaren Vale, we increased our takings of Grenache from Molly’s place, next door in Willunga. We were also blessed with two new, highly expressive and beautifully contrasting plots of Syrah: Fiona Wood’s ‘house block’ in Blewitt Springs, and Brash Higgins’ famed ‘Omensetter' estate vineyard in Tatachilla.
Our cherished ancestor vine Mourvèdre, tended to by Wayne and Suzi of Smallfry Wines up in Vine Vale, was harvested three times this season. Given that we craft a lot of 'drink now' wines in a warm climate, this approach circumvents the odd heat wave, while also ensuring we’ve got enough direct-pressed acidity in the shed, to keep even the ripest of flavours we pick as taut and tantalising as possible.
Finally, we also saw the return of Wayne's beloved Cinsault, from the same sandy site in Vine Vale. We decided to take a bigger scoop than in 2022, to give ‘Drinky’, our entry level, ultra-light chilled red, more juice for the squeeze.” - Jimmy
A new project from Jimmy Hopkins, sourcing quality fruit from industry legends Wayne Ahrens and Suzi Hilder on their certified organic & biodynamic vineyard in the old sands of Vine Vale, Barossa Valley. Making wine in that 'is it rosé, is it chilled red' realm where, really, who cares - it's just too damn enjoyable to drink!